“From Chips to Tips of National Growth – Self -Reliant Swadeshi India.”

“Atmanirbhar Bharat: by Indians, for India, with the world, it is Self-reliance that escalates National Strength.”

Semiconductor is the intellectual property of the creator which can be registered and protected in India under The Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design (SICLD) Act, 2000. Any person desirous to get it registered can apply for registration of the layout-design, by classification of design on the basis of  

1. Structure,
2. Technique and
3. Functionalities of the circuit

Duration of registration —The registration of a layout design shall be valid for a period of ten years from the date of filing an application or from the date of first commercial exploitation anywhere in India or in any country, whichever is earlier.

Fees – The Registration fees is INR 5,000* by Demand draft in favour of Controller General Patent and Trademark, Payable at Dwarka,New Delhi.

The Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Registry (SICLDR) has its head office located in the Boudhik Sampada Bhawan, Plot no. 32, Sector – 14, Dwarka, New Delhi110075. The territorial limits within which such office of the Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Registry may exercise its functions shall be the whole of India.

• How we can help ?

We as Legalese Law Firm act as a bridge between engineers and the Semiconductor law, ensuring semiconductor layout-design is validly registered, made enforceable, and commercially usable under the SICLD Act, 2000 thereby reducing risk, avoiding mistakes, and maximizing its commercial value. With the upcoming boom in making Self-reliant India, we work on getting you a SICLD registration which involves both technical + legal complexity.

Recently DHRUV64 was officially launched on 15 December 2025 by the Government of India and the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. It is India’s Ist fully indigenous 1.0 GHz, 64-bit dual-core microprocessor. It  is a high-value indigenous chip design which represents years of engineering investment and a strategic move toward self-reliance in technology for India.

Without Registration of the layout-design it is prone to be copied & misused. Our firm ensures legal protection, keeps swiftness with the technical innovation and as a result letting organizations secure the commercial and strategic benefits.

We assist in securing statutory protection so that your Layout-Design becomes your official intellectual property under the law. Once registered, it can be lawfully owned, protected, licensed, and commercially exploited, ensuring exclusive rights and safeguarding against unauthorized use. 

Our Services

1. Registration of Layout-Design – We register and ensure legal protection of the registered layout-design of semiconductor integrated circuits under the SICLD Act, 2000, for granting of exclusive usage rights.
2. Reply to Objections –Once the application is submitted for registration, it is thoroughly examined by the Registrar to verify to any potential overlapping with existing designs, which are responded to confirm registration.
3. Oppositions – The registration of the design can be challenged, if accepted in error or is found to have been registered with previously registered design by filing the opposition petition. Any interested person can file opposition to oppose registration.
4. Assignment– Any person can transfer of ownership of a registered layout-design, by agreement (assignment) against consideration to any third party by filing assignment deed.
5. Renewal of registration – The registration of the layout-design can be extended by the owner before it gets expired to continue the legal protection of the layout-design.
6. Legal notice for infringement- A formal legal notice from the owner of the layout- design to the alleged infringer who is using the design without permission demanding to cease and desist of its unauthorized use to protect the owner’s rights.
7. Infringement action – Legal proceedings filed by the owner of the layout-design to stop its unauthorized use or coping of their registered design by filing case in the court to seek injunctive relief.

 Our Law Firm is the Emerging Leaders for Semiconductor Registration.

Contact us, Semiconductor and Layout Design

FAQ

• What is a semiconductor?

A semiconductor is a material, like Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge), or compounds such as Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) whose capability to conduct electricity is in between a conductor (a metal) and an insulator (glass). Its capability to conduct electricity can be controlled by adding impurities (like Phosphorus or Antimony) or by applying energy(heat/voltage/light).

• What are the eligibility criteria for registration of Layout-design of Semiconductor?

Originality: The Layout-design should be original and not  an imitation of the existing Layout-Design,  even if it is slightly modified, registration will be refused.

No prior commercial exploitation before filing : It must not be commercially exploited in India or abroad for more than 2 years prior to filing so that its novelty requirement doesn’t gets lost.

Tangible Representation:  The Layout-design of the semiconductor chip must be captured in a concrete, physical or electronic form that can be examined, reproduced, or used for manufacturing.

• What are the steps involved in Registration of Semiconductor?

Registration process is easy, fast with minimum paper work. It has a time span of minimum 6 months to maximum 12 months (if there are no major objections) from the date of filling of application.

• Who can apply for registration?

Must be an Indian citizen, company, or organization, or can apply from abroad (subject to national filing rules).

• What details are required for registration of layout design?

Title of the layout-design – give a clear and specific name of the

layout-design. It should be precise, technical and descriptive and it shouldn’t reveal the confidential design details.

For Example : Low-Power CMOS Operational Amplifier IC Layout, 32-Bit RISC Microprocessor Core IC Layout, High-Speed Data Encryption IC Layout, Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) Cell Array IC Layout, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) IC Layout.
Semiconductor Integrated Circuit classification details :

Structure - giving structure details like Bipolar, MOS, Bi-MOS, Optical IC, Other (specify).

Technique - giving technique details like TTL, DTL, CMOS, NMOS, PMOS, Other (specify).

Function - giving functional details like Logic, Memory, Linear, Microcomputer, Other (specify).

Briefly describe the Layout-design – a short technical summary which explains what the layout-design is about further how it is arranged and its function in a semiconductor Integrated Circuit.

Brief of the Layout-Design (in brief) :

(i). Type of Integrated Circuit (analog/digital/mixed).

(ii). Arrangement of Circuit Elements (transistors, resistors, interconnections).

(iii). Purpose or Function of Integrated Circuit.

(iv). Special or novel features of the layout.

If the layout-design has been commercially exploited then provide details such as place/country where it was exploited and on which date.

Full name, description and nationality of the applicant. In the case of a body corporate or firm the country incorporation or the names and description of the partners composing the firm and the nature of registration, if any, as the case may be, should be stated.

 Address of principal place of business in India, if any.

 Layout-design drawings should be preferably on a paper of size 33-centimeter by 20-centimeter.

• What are the documents required for registration?

Drawings/Photographs- 3 sets

Clear Drawings/Photographs which should describe the Layout Design. They can be submitted in the GDS-II (Graphic Data System-II) file format along with the PDK (Process Design Kit) information used in the design.

Semiconductor integrated circuits- 4 pieces

[Where an Integrated Circuit (IC) has been made using layout-design applied for registration]

The IC chips with the same layout design which are applied for registration its four identical physical samples (pieces) must be submitted.

Details of fees deposited

Prescribed fee of ₹5,000/- paid via Demand Draft in favour of “PAO, CGPDTM” at Dwarka,New Delhi.

Power of Attorney in favour of the Advocate

• What is the validity period of registration?

The validity of the registration is 10 years from date of filing of application.

• Can an amendment be made to a Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design (SICLD) application ?

Yes, an amendment can be made but it should not alter the fundamental nature or central idea of the design, Such kind of amendments or modifications are not automatic and allowed before registration but no amendment is allowed after registration except changes in the name and address of the applicant.

• Can any legal action be taken against the Infringer once the Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design (SICLD) is registered?

Yes, a legal action can be taken.

When a registered layout-design is infringed by any person without the authorization of the registered proprietor, such act constitutes infringement under the Act.

The registered proprietor is entitled to institute civil proceedings against the infringer in a court of competent jurisdiction.

Legal actions available after registration:

Civil Remedies – The registered proprietor can file a suit (typically before a District Court) for:

Permanent or temporary orders to obstruct further infringement.

Damages for loss suffered.

Account of profits made by the infringer.

Delivery up/capture of infringing goods for destruction.

Criminal Liability

Wilful infringement(piracy) of a registered layout-design is a criminal offence further punishment and /or fine can be executed:

Imprisonment: Up to 3 years, or

Fine: ₹50,000, which can extend up to ₹10,00,000 or

Both imprisonment and fine.

• What is the punishment for falsely representing a Layout-design as registered?

Imprisonment: Up to 6 months, or

Fine: Up to ₹50,000, or

Both

• Can I license the IP rights to the company for manufacturing of semiconductor?

Yes, you can license the IP rights to a company for manufacturing semiconductors.

Licensing options

You may grant:

Exclusive license (only the licensee can use it)

Non-exclusive license (multiple licensees allowed)

Limited license (restricted by territory, duration, or purpose)

• Can registration of semiconductor be filed for foreign countries? and how?

Yes, protection for a semiconductor IC Layout-design can be obtained in foreign countries, but this cannot be done through a single international filing. Protection is territorial, so you must file separately in each country where protection is desired.

• Can the registration of Semiconductor layout design be cancelled?

Once the layout-design is registered, only cancellation is possible. Registration can be challenged/cancelled by government or third party, provided it is identical or imitated  from any previously existing design.

• Can opposition be filed against the registration?

Once the Layout-design is accepted and advertised in the Official Journal any person can oppose registration by filing of the opposition petition within  3 months post the date of advertisement.

• What are grounds for filing Opposition to oppose registration?

Opposition is filed claiming lack of originality, prior commercial exploitation of the design, or failure to meet statutory requirements. The Registrar examines the opposition and may grant or refuse registration.

Any Appeals against the order shall be filed before the Layout-Design Appellate Board (LDAB).

• Can a Joint application be filed for Layout-design?

Yes, a layout-design can be jointly owned when created by two or more persons. All co-owners must be named in the registration application. They have equal rights to exploit the design, must consent to licensing or assignment, and can jointly enforce rights against infringement. Co-ownership disputes can be resolved through agreements or appealed to the Layout-Design Appellate Board (LDAB).

You can contact us for getting your semiconductor Layout-design registered with a seamless procedure so that your Layout-design becomes your own intellectual property officially and further it can be easily used commercially.

Our Law Firm is the Emerging Leaders for Semiconductor Registration.

Semiconductor Integrated Circuits Layout-Design Registry (SICLDR)

Contact Us  +91-7827973775 | 9810203697